Whether your two wheels are decked out in gleaming chrome or you prefer eco-friendly peddle power, both are common sights along the natural beauty and the peaceful, winding roads on what the locals have come to call "The Loop. "No stoplights or shopping centers on this ride, just miles and miles (over 20) of well-maintained, twisting and turning roads. One long stretch is completely shaded from the sun by a beautiful ancient Live Oak canopy. Along the ride, you'll also pass Tomoka State Park, where on most days you will see folks fishing and crabbing along the Tomoka River. There are several routes to choose from, making The Loop a ride you'll want to take more than once. Note: Enjoy The Loop at a leisurely speed, and pay attention to the posted speed limits, as they change often.
Directions from the Mainland Travel north on Beach Street, which runs along the Halifax river's mainland side. After several miles, you'll see a sign for Walter Boardman Blvd. Take that turn and follow the road for about a mile. Take a sharp right on High Bridge Road, and follow it over the bridge to State Road A1A. At this point, you can either turn right and enjoy the scenic Atlantic coastline on your way back to Daytona Beach, or turn left and ride north to Flagler Beach.
Directions from the Beachside From Daytona Beach, head north on State Road A1A, past SR 40 (Granada Blvd.) Just past the city of Ormond Beach, the speed limit will change to 55 mph. Keep an eye out, and turn left at the flashing sign that identifies High Bridge Road. Follow this road for several miles and take a sharp left onto Walter Boardman Blvd. This road will take you past Tomoka State Park and bring you to North Beach Street, which hugs the Intracoastal Waterway. Follow this road to Granada Blvd (SR 40).
Short Version A variation of the scenic Loop tour begins at the intersection of John Anderson Drive and Granada Blvd. on the beachside. Head north on John Anderson Drive and enjoy miles of beautiful river views and stately homes and estates. John Anderson Drive ends at High Bridge Rd. where you will then decide to turn left and meander back to town on Beach Street -- or turn right and head up to A1A. Note: John Anderson Drive is a residential area with plenty of side streets, some hidden from view. Also, stay alert to the many changes in the speed limits.
Riding the loop… give me a break! Located on High Bridge Rd. at the eastern foot of the causeway bridge, you can stretch your legs at this well-maintained county park that features a boat ramp, covered picnic tables and clean restrooms.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse This is not your average lighthouse! This beauty just happens to be the tallest lighthouse in Florida at 175 feet. It's open everyday for tours, and you can even climb all 203 steps to the top for a magnificent view of our pristine Atlantic coastline and the Halifax River. Plenty of parking is available. There are two scenic ways to get there, so try one for each leg of the trip.
From Atlantic Ave. (A1A), go south to the end, then turn right on Inlet Harbor Rd. Turn left at the four-way stop sign, and look for plenty of great signage to direct you.
While in Ponce Inlet you may want to consider ordering some of the best (and most affordable) seafood available in Florida. There are five restaurants to choose from - each offering a relaxing setting, plenty of ice-cold libations and fantastic views.
Lighthouse Landing - is located irectly across from the lighthouse at 4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet (386) 761-9271.
Down the Hatch - is located at 4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet (386) 761-4831 - Just around the corner from the lighthouse on Peninsula Drive. The SunCruz Casino ship also sails from this location.
Inlet Harbor Marina & Restaurant - located at 133 Inlet Harbor Rd., Ponce Inlet (386) 761-4831 - Just go back to the four-way stop sign and turn left.
Boondocks Restaurant - 3948 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet (386) 760-9001 - A couple miles north of the lighthouse.
Racings North Turn - 4511 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet (386) 322-3258 - Directly on the ocean.
When you are ready to head back to town from the lighthouse, you can take either Atlantic Ave. (A1A) or continue north on Peninsula Drive. The best part about Peninsula Drive is that it runs parallel with A1A without the traffic or stoplights. When you come to a two-way stop sign, turn left on Cardinal Blvd. and continue to the next stop sign (Beverly Terrace) take a left and follow this short street as it takes a sharp turn right. Cross over the intersection of Dunlawton Ave. and you will be back on Peninsula Drive. This road will intersect with famous Main Street in Daytona Beach -- or you can take almost any side street to get back on A1A.
Note: Please keep your cruising speeds within the legal limits in all local municipalities, as some are quite generous with handing out speeding tickets.
